Mahela, Herath rested from ODIs

Sri Lanka have rested Mahela Jayawardene and Rangana Herath from the three-ODI series against Bangladesh, which follows the two Twenty20 internationals later this month. They also left out batsmen Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne from the one-day squad that played Pakistan in the UAE, and brought in spinning allrounder Angelo Perera, who made 244 off 204 balls in his most recent first-class game.

Mahela had also missed the limited-overs games in the UAE in December last year because he was on paternal leave. Both Mahela and Herath will be available for the two Twenty internationals that precede the ODIs, though, subject to the state of Herath's injured knee, which has put him in severe doubt for the second Test. These Twenty20s are Sri Lanka's last official matches before the World Twenty20 March.

Angelo Perera was also included in the T20 squad, while the players to miss out from the group that travelled to UAE were Ramith Rambukwella, Thirimanne and Kithuruwan Vithanage.

Thisara Perera was named in both squads, after having his work ethic put under scrutiny by the national selectors. Perera was denied permission to play in the Big Bash League, and told instead to train with Sri Lanka's A team, but he pleased the selectors well enough to return to the national fray. Doubts over Lasith Malinga's fitness have also been quelled, after he returned from the BBL to Sri Lanka briefly, in order to address that issue.

Middle-order batsman Ashan Priyanjan retained his place in the ODI squad, after having impressed with a 74 on debut in Abu Dhabi, in December. He has been with the team in Bangladesh, after replacing Prasanna Jayawardene in the Test squad. Both he and Angelo Perera also bowl effective finger spin in domestic cricket.

I think players like Tharanga , Kapugedara, Thilina kandanbi. Upul is a very good player. If he can't hit the new ball ,god let him play in the middle order. Thilina is a test player but they never gave him a chance in tests. Kapugedara is another talented one, he is good for T20s . All these players must correct their mistakes but after that they will be fantastic.

Dummy
on February 10, 2014, 13:56 GMT

They should drop malinga as well. We lost the last world cup because of malinga. He is no good only good for ipl.(big money). So let him make money get anothe good all rounder and win the world cup.

Dummy
on February 10, 2014, 13:48 GMT

Take chandimal out from t20 and put some one else, anyone is better than him. (Chandimal is a good batsman but not for t20.)

Dummy4
on February 9, 2014, 12:13 GMT

They should Remove Chandimal from odi for a short time & forever from t20s & Give a chance to upul tharanga

Dummy4
on February 8, 2014, 17:06 GMT

Like I said before the test started if BD gives me two wicket: Mahela and Sanga and I will give them the win and we have seen what happened in test. I am saying the same thing again, give me the wicket of Mahela and Sanga for cheap runs and I will give you the win.

keve
on February 6, 2014, 17:46 GMT

I think they should give Kaushal silva a chance to play in odis. He has more experience and he is consistent. Would love to see him and kusal perera bat at the top of the order

manjula
on February 6, 2014, 7:29 GMT

What happened to dilshan munaweera ? He scored 143 against moors,that i watch from tv .superb knock .he is a good hard hitting batsman,we need players like him.

Dummy4
on February 5, 2014, 5:09 GMT

when success all of youngsters go to success..bt failure all of youngster unable to stop failure ....that's why mahela and sanga should be in the line up

Gihan
on February 4, 2014, 17:05 GMT

Is this end if Upul Tharanga's International Cricket Life? He is such a talented cricketer. No body can compare with his timing. Definitely he needs to proper training and guidance to improve his weaknesses. Please don't waist his talent.

Yohan
on February 4, 2014, 3:25 GMT

Most of the selection is fine . But Chandimal is still T20 captain . that was a blunder made in past as he is not good enoughto be in T20 team . too many spinners in T20 squad as feel one more fast bowler would have balanced it more . anyay good luck guys .

Sameera
on February 10, 2014, 16:33 GMT

I think players like Tharanga , Kapugedara, Thilina kandanbi. Upul is a very good player. If he can't hit the new ball ,god let him play in the middle order. Thilina is a test player but they never gave him a chance in tests. Kapugedara is another talented one, he is good for T20s . All these players must correct their mistakes but after that they will be fantastic.

Dummy
on February 10, 2014, 13:56 GMT

They should drop malinga as well. We lost the last world cup because of malinga. He is no good only good for ipl.(big money). So let him make money get anothe good all rounder and win the world cup.

Dummy
on February 10, 2014, 13:48 GMT

Take chandimal out from t20 and put some one else, anyone is better than him. (Chandimal is a good batsman but not for t20.)

Dummy4
on February 9, 2014, 12:13 GMT

They should Remove Chandimal from odi for a short time & forever from t20s & Give a chance to upul tharanga

Dummy4
on February 8, 2014, 17:06 GMT

Like I said before the test started if BD gives me two wicket: Mahela and Sanga and I will give them the win and we have seen what happened in test. I am saying the same thing again, give me the wicket of Mahela and Sanga for cheap runs and I will give you the win.

keve
on February 6, 2014, 17:46 GMT

I think they should give Kaushal silva a chance to play in odis. He has more experience and he is consistent. Would love to see him and kusal perera bat at the top of the order

manjula
on February 6, 2014, 7:29 GMT

What happened to dilshan munaweera ? He scored 143 against moors,that i watch from tv .superb knock .he is a good hard hitting batsman,we need players like him.

Dummy4
on February 5, 2014, 5:09 GMT

when success all of youngsters go to success..bt failure all of youngster unable to stop failure ....that's why mahela and sanga should be in the line up

Gihan
on February 4, 2014, 17:05 GMT

Is this end if Upul Tharanga's International Cricket Life? He is such a talented cricketer. No body can compare with his timing. Definitely he needs to proper training and guidance to improve his weaknesses. Please don't waist his talent.

Yohan
on February 4, 2014, 3:25 GMT

Most of the selection is fine . But Chandimal is still T20 captain . that was a blunder made in past as he is not good enoughto be in T20 team . too many spinners in T20 squad as feel one more fast bowler would have balanced it more . anyay good luck guys .

Ramesh
on February 3, 2014, 21:15 GMT

Why not have Vishwa in the squad? we can give him some exposure as a back up for malinga and also please give anjelo a fair chance...He is much better than players like thirimanne who are never one day players

Nilantha
on February 3, 2014, 19:05 GMT

no Eranga or Pradeep in the ODi squad?We r missing a trick there...four spinners is a bit excessive even in Bangladesh imho...

ESPN
on February 3, 2014, 17:34 GMT

Srilanka need new fast bowler. Isuru Udana Playing very good

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 17:19 GMT

Chandimal must be dropped from T20 team if we want to win the world cup!!

Lakpriya
on February 3, 2014, 16:26 GMT

seems a good squad. only issue is Chandimal he is not T20 material but since he is the captain there is no other option but to select him. But overall the most probable 15 for the T20 WC is here. Since this is the last series before the T20 WC would mean that there is no time for any big experiments. Good to see that youngsters are given more opportunities in the ODI team because it is not yet settled. With Bangladesh having good potential for the ODIs it should be a good series.

chandima
on February 3, 2014, 15:12 GMT

Chandimal again as the t20 captain. Why cant these selectors think that he is not yet suited to be in the t20 squad. Please rectify this decusion before the world cup. If not sl will not even qualify for the second round.

Jerry
on February 3, 2014, 15:09 GMT

Its good to see Angelo Perera being selected. Pity Tharindu kaushal the spinner did not get a break . If herath is not playing , he should be a replacement .
in the Bangladesh series , depending on the outcome , if we can win the 1st 2 games , we should give others some warm up games like sekkuge and priyanjan a game in the ODI .
in t20 vs BD maybe angelo shoud be tried out in the middle order before the world t20 begins . we can take a chance in the warm up games .
Dilshan and kusla perera as openers should be able to provide a quickfire start needed , especially in the t20 format ..

Buddhika
on February 3, 2014, 14:14 GMT

In ODI and T20 we might see ordinary SL side without Eranga,Lakmal,Pradeep and Dilruwan.
So this is time to BD to win ODI series and tie T20 series.
Kula's 120K slow balling,Malinga's friendly yorkers,Mendis Uncovered Mistery,Sachie's monotonous spin.
Only person to change is Prasanna yet his Mistery not recovered

shane
on February 3, 2014, 13:36 GMT

I thought malinga will be dropped for this series. I guess he is now super fit to play because of the extra commission SLCboard Rcv from melb.stars what a joke!

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 11:33 GMT

this is a very good squad.this selection committee clearly has a good vision for the future.has covered every aspect.forget about rambukwella's inclusion in earlier squad.

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 11:04 GMT

This is the last chance for Dinesh Chandimal.If he does not score enough runs in these T20's and ODI's(Average should be around 50) he will be definitely out of the final squad of Sri Lanka's Asia cup and World T20. I wonder Sanath J has told him about this.

Android
on February 3, 2014, 10:59 GMT

SJ has done a good job here. But I cannot look at Chandimal as the T20 captain. He is not captaincy material. He will not even qualify in the T20 side as a player..

Denham
on February 3, 2014, 9:29 GMT

Definitely a good move to bring hard hitting Angelo Perera into the limited overs side. He can be the Big Show for SL in the future like Glen Maxwell especially for AUS in T20s. 4 specialist spinners in the t20 squad plus Dilshan and Angelo P doesn't make sense to me!! Apart from that good selection!! Thisara needs to perform before he gets kicked out soon

Buddhika
on February 3, 2014, 9:14 GMT

Like earlier Selections another funny selection from SJ.
35 + 4 in T20 side against lowest rank T20 side like BD.IRE/AFG r better T20 side than BD.among these seniors 3 r out of form.
Dilshan 60+ in 4 BBL matches lower than Aussie Bowers.
Sanga very low SR in last T20 matches hence not selected to IPL list.
Hearth now couldn't hardly get wickets in even Test.
Only Mahela is in form.
Where is Dilruwan Perera,5 wicket holder in last test match and he is very good all rounder.
Y 120+ slow bowler Kula in both and Y not select Eranga at lest one 135 k Fast Medium.How good he played in Test Matches and how BD batsmen struggle against him bouncers.
Aussie women facers can ball faster than kula and he is true finch hitter rarely come to form.
Hard hitting batmen inform Kithruwan not included in T20 who hits 103 of 104 balls.even lakmal there he may not get chance because Mali,Kula,Mathews automatically in the team.
4 current best performers out from T20.Dilruwan,Kithruwan,Eranga,Lakmal

Josh
on February 3, 2014, 9:11 GMT

It is not Mahela who should be rested but Sanga. Sanga is terrible at t20 and also very slow to score his runs in ODI. However, I respect Mahela for being unselfish and allowing the younger talent a go. Well done Mahela, you truly play for your country and not just for yourself.

John
on February 3, 2014, 9:04 GMT

It should have been Sanga instead of Mahela as the Asia cup around the corner 'n Mahela hasn't played an ODI in months. Glad to see Angelo Perera getting selected. Hope he will perform well 'n justify his selection. Anyway, I can't believe that some fanboys still wanna see Kapugedara in the playing XI. lol TBH, He is a waste of space. He is the Sri Lankan Rohit Sharma, so talented but never delivers. Anyway, I get the feeling that Kusal (podi sana) is gonna make his maiden 100 in this series. :))

shuhail
on February 3, 2014, 8:53 GMT

Good move by the selectors... sana is playing his cards really well.. exciting times ahead fr lions..

Navaneethan
on February 3, 2014, 8:51 GMT

Could have tried Nuwan Pradeep in the limited over format? He did really impress in the test match against Pakistan except for the fact he ran out of gas. So limited overs is a good prospect to boost his confidence....

Ajith
on February 3, 2014, 8:48 GMT

It would have been more prudent to rest Mahela, Sanga, Dilshan, Herath & Malinga from both limited over series and give an opportunity to some youngsters especially with Bangladesh.The seniors could have come back for the Asia Cup and World T20 tournaments. It is sad to see Eranga and Dilruwan missing out after good performances.

Dayanath
on February 3, 2014, 8:41 GMT

We expected that the selection committee will wise enough to make use Dimuth Karunarathna as an attacking batsman.It is sensible than using Dinesh Chandimal.

Android
on February 3, 2014, 8:29 GMT

In the 1st test BD batsmen played some awful shots like they were playing a t20 match...but the problem is when it comes to actual t20s they are very very poor... Without Shakib( only international standerd BD player) they are nothing and with him they are getting humiliated from Ireland and Zimbabwe...

Aditya
on February 3, 2014, 8:24 GMT

Oh No. Now how will Mahela jayawardene increase his average.

Dulitha
on February 3, 2014, 8:16 GMT

good decision, Because this is da perfect time to test our young guys performance.

Mesith
on February 3, 2014, 7:49 GMT

DONT bring Kapugedara anywhere near the SL team. He's neither a flat track bully nor a fast track bully. Absolutely useless, worse than the indians. He got out for a diamond duck in the 2011 world cup, there are way better players than him. Any way good move to rest mahela and herath but I thought Kumar should've been rested instead of Mahela. Anyway Angelo Perera better get use of this opportunity otherwise I think Upul Tharanga should be given another chance

Android
on February 3, 2014, 7:42 GMT

nice to see Angelo Perera in the ODI and T20 teams..handy with the ball and can hit the ball very hard and far.But not sure if he gets a game because SL will not experiment much with the batting order with the T20 world cup looming... But in ODIs he should play all 3 games imo... T20 team : Kushal,Dili,Sanga,Chandi,Mahela,Mathewes,Thisara,Seeku,Kule,Sachi/Mendis,Mali... odi team : Dili,Kushal,Sanga,Chandi,Ashan,Mathewes,Angelo Perera,Thisara/Seeku,Sachi,Kule,Mali

mano
on February 3, 2014, 7:37 GMT

Priyanjan will be the T20 star in the future. Godo move to bring Angelo Perera. Something is really happening with SLC Cricket now. Sanath seems to be in the right path! After all he knows best about limited over games.

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 7:27 GMT

Lasith malinga should perform well im this series atleast!!!

udendra
on February 3, 2014, 7:20 GMT

I think Rambukwella should have been given a chance in the T20 squad, especially against Bangladesh.

shihan
on February 3, 2014, 7:00 GMT

Its really nice to have Angelo Perera in the team..He can hit the some big shots..hope to see him playing

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 6:47 GMT

Nice to see Angelo perera & please bring Kapugedara for T20 when MJ retired from T20

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 6:43 GMT

Where is Shaminda eranga.

Denham
on February 3, 2014, 9:29 GMT

Definitely a good move to bring hard hitting Angelo Perera into the limited overs side. He can be the Big Show for SL in the future like Glen Maxwell especially for AUS in T20s. 4 specialist spinners in the t20 squad plus Dilshan and Angelo P doesn't make sense to me!! Apart from that good selection!! Thisara needs to perform before he gets kicked out soon

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 6:43 GMT

Where is Shaminda eranga.

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 6:47 GMT

Nice to see Angelo perera & please bring Kapugedara for T20 when MJ retired from T20

shihan
on February 3, 2014, 7:00 GMT

Its really nice to have Angelo Perera in the team..He can hit the some big shots..hope to see him playing

udendra
on February 3, 2014, 7:20 GMT

I think Rambukwella should have been given a chance in the T20 squad, especially against Bangladesh.

Dummy4
on February 3, 2014, 7:27 GMT

Lasith malinga should perform well im this series atleast!!!

mano
on February 3, 2014, 7:37 GMT

Priyanjan will be the T20 star in the future. Godo move to bring Angelo Perera. Something is really happening with SLC Cricket now. Sanath seems to be in the right path! After all he knows best about limited over games.

Android
on February 3, 2014, 7:42 GMT

nice to see Angelo Perera in the ODI and T20 teams..handy with the ball and can hit the ball very hard and far.But not sure if he gets a game because SL will not experiment much with the batting order with the T20 world cup looming... But in ODIs he should play all 3 games imo... T20 team : Kushal,Dili,Sanga,Chandi,Mahela,Mathewes,Thisara,Seeku,Kule,Sachi/Mendis,Mali... odi team : Dili,Kushal,Sanga,Chandi,Ashan,Mathewes,Angelo Perera,Thisara/Seeku,Sachi,Kule,Mali

Mesith
on February 3, 2014, 7:49 GMT

DONT bring Kapugedara anywhere near the SL team. He's neither a flat track bully nor a fast track bully. Absolutely useless, worse than the indians. He got out for a diamond duck in the 2011 world cup, there are way better players than him. Any way good move to rest mahela and herath but I thought Kumar should've been rested instead of Mahela. Anyway Angelo Perera better get use of this opportunity otherwise I think Upul Tharanga should be given another chance

Dulitha
on February 3, 2014, 8:16 GMT

good decision, Because this is da perfect time to test our young guys performance.

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